also the model of this computer is a Nova AT-386

Oldskoolmaniac wrote:

My first question is i think the keyboard port is bad with a little research i assume that port is called a model f port on these old boards

Generally I think of it as an "AT" connector.

but anyway the keyboard flashes its light when i flick the computer on but i get keyboard not detected and halts in bios, also the keyboard itself has a switch for AT or XT im assuming at right?

Well, if one doesn't work, maybe you should try the other..?
https://deskthority.net/wiki/AT_keyboard_interface

Next part im wondering about, there are 8 small ram modules 1mb each stick so whats with the bigger ram slots.

Those are for 72-pin SIMMs, if I'm not mistaken. I doubt there is any particular advantage to using 72-pin SIMMs or 30-pin SIMMs on this particular board. In any case, older boards tend to be very picky about what RAM modules go where, so I would not expect you to be able to arbitrarily mix-and-match 72-pin and 30-pin modules.

Your motherboard appears to be Socket 3 or 2, seeing as how I spy a AMD Dx-66 486 processor

If they keyboard is good (i.e. working in another machine) the next step is to test continuity of the socket, which would require a multimeter. Then you would know if the socket is damaged, and you may need to desolder and replace. Or find someone who can do it for you. 😀

im pretty good with soldering but where might i find another port i couldn't find one at all on ebay

Looks like you have corroded traces under the battery and at the keyboard connector.

i wonder if im better of replacing the board it pretty corroded looking around there

Get rid of the remaining 'battery base' by removing everything removable and the battery and bathing the board in thinned vinegar essence for a an hour or two. Afterward wash with clear water. Swing the board around so larger spots of water are forced away. Let it dry, if possible at a higher temperature.

If only these keyboard traces are affected you can get away by soldering replacement wires from the keyboard connector to the two ferrite beads next to the battery.

ill give it a shot thanks

You don't need to bath the whole board - only the affected section.

The two traces that run between the battery and the keyboard connector look like they might have been damaged. Maybe check those with a multimeter. I find them very suspicious.

so i desoldered the battery and the keyboard port. i really need to get a multimeter sometime and the only vinegar i keep finding is distilled, ill have to check next time i go down to the city

I agree, those 2 traces don't look good. Especially the one that goes to pin 1 (clock). The good news is, if that's the only damage and they are indeed open circuit when checked with a multimeter, they should be easy to fix with solder and perhaps short lengths of wire.

found the reason why the keyboard wasn't working the one fork was broke off

Well that answers that question. It's quite possible you could source a replacement from somewhere like aliexpress but i expect your best bet is to find a donor board.

http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/cui- … P-2350-ND/97033

That might work.